India announced the 15-member squad for the remaining three tests against England. The question regarding a proper Wicket Keeper batsman is still looming around since Rishabh Pant’s unavailability due to injury. KS Bharat is not up to the mark with his opportunities and the absence of Ishan Kishan is bothering the fans more.

The star Indian batsman Virat Kohli is still unavailable and will miss the remaining series. This marks the first instance where the former Indian captain will not be part of a test series in 13 long years. Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul were also included in the squad, but their selection will be subject to fitness.

Ishan Kishan was unavailable for selection

The young left-handed batsman last appeared in the South Africa tour last December. Ishan left the series mid-way citing personal reasons. A few reports suggest that things are not going well between the Jharkand stylish player and the Indian coach Rahul Dravid, as Jitesh Sharma was selected ahead of him in the South Africa T20I series.

Earlier, Rahul Dravid sent Ishan a clear message ahead of the South Africa test series, asking him to resume playing cricket of some form to be considered for selection again. But since then, Ishan has not appeared in the Ranji Trophy for Jharkhand. But, reports suggest that the wicket-keeper batter has only been training with the Pandya brothers at the Reliance Stadium over the past couple of weeks ahead of the IPL.

Ishan’s last test was back in July last year, where he made an undefeated 52 against West Indies in Port of Spain.

Irfan Pathan and Akash Chopra respond to Ishan’s case

The former Indian bowler Irfan Pathan came with a cryptic post on X that said, “Finding it perplexing how someone can be fit enough to practice but not play domestic cricket. How does this even make sense?”. However, it wasn’t clear that at whom Mr. Pathan was directing this statement. But the fans are very well convinced it could be towards Ishan Kishan.

Finding it perplexing how someone can be fit enough to practice but not play domestic cricket. How does this even make sense?

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 10, 2024

Former Indian Cricketer, Akash Chopra also responds to Ishan’s case on his YouTube channel.

“It’s been a long time since Ishan Kishan requested for the break. He has not played any competitive cricket and on an extended break. He has not played first-class cricket too. I hope that he is good, he is fine and in a happy space because he had requested a break due to mental fatigue,” Aakash Chopra said.

As far as Ishan’s return is concerned, Chopra doesn’t feel that is possible until the player starts to play professional cricket, be it in the Ranji Trophy or some other tournament.

“I think he will get a chance to play for India only after he resumes playing competitive cricket. if he is not going to play for a while, the Indian team is not going to consider him. Regardless of whether KS Bharat plays or not, whether Dhruv Jurel gets a chance or not, or someone like Jagadeesan gets in, you never know. But India won’t go toward Ishan until he starts playing competitive cricket again. They will try to maintain some protocols.”

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